The purpose of this chapter is to establish guidelines and criteria for rodeo and rodeo related activities relative to humane treatment of rodeo animals and rodeo livestock in the state.

CREDIT(S)

P.L. 1988, ch. 661, § 1.

§ 4-20-2. Notification requirements

No person, firm, corporation, or association shall conduct or promote any rodeo without first having notified in writing the animal control officer of the city or town in which this event is to take place. The notification shall include the dates and times of this event and the identity of the person who has charge of this event.

CREDIT(S)

P.L. 1988, ch. 661, § 1; P.L. 1989, ch. 245, § 1.

§ 4-20-3. Presence of veterinarian required

No person, firm, corporation, or association shall conduct or promote any rodeo without requiring the presence of a veterinarian licensed to practice in Rhode Island during the time that this event is taking place. The veterinarian employed shall be one who has had experience in the treatment of large animal life for a period of not less than two (2) years. All expenses incurred for the presence of and services rendered by the veterinarian employed shall be the responsibility of the promoter of the event.

The appointed veterinarian, once appointed to oversee any rodeo, has access to the complete site of any activity involving animals to be employed in the event. The veterinarian has complete authority over the treatment and use of any animal which becomes injured in this event. The veterinarian has the right to declare any animal unfit for use in any this event and his or her decision shall be final after that decision has been communicated to the person in charge, as communicated to the animal control officer in § 4-20-2.

CREDIT(S)

P.L. 1989, ch. 245, § 2.

§ 4-20-6. Presence required during any event

The person in charge, as communicated to the animal control officer in accordance with § 4-20-1, is required to be present and available for communication while the event is taking place. In the event that the person in charge, as communicated in accordance with § 4-20-1, is unable to be present, he or she shall notify the appointed veterinarian and the animal control officer of the city or town in which the event is taking place and make known to them the name of the person who will replace him or her as the person in charge.

CREDIT(S)

P.L. 1989, ch. 245, § 2.

§ 4-20-7. Limitations

The roping of any calf in any rodeo is limited to breakaway calf roping, where the calf is released immediately after it is roped without the animal being subjected to a sudden stop or fall.

CREDIT(S)

P.L. 1989, ch. 245, § 2.

§ 4-20-8. Participation

No person shall participate in any rodeo activity who has been convicted of cruelty to animals while participating in any rodeo.

CREDIT(S)

P.L. 1989, ch. 245, § 2.

§ 4-20-9. Penalties for violations

Whoever violates any provision of this chapter, shall, for each offense be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500).